Tidal power is the power harnessed from the rise and fall of the sea level. It is one of the few renewable resources we have on Earth. However, this source is special because it is very predictable. Although it is not very widespread, it is still very efficient.
How Does it Work?
Tidal power is very efficient and it is easy to generate electricity. A barrage, which is much like a dam, is built across an estuary. Turbines are installed in the wall of the barrage. When the tides flow in or out, and fill the tidal basin to the appropriate level , the water is emptied through the turbine and electricity is produced. The electricity that is produced by the turbine is then stored in a generator and eventually sent out for public use.
How Wide Spread is It?
The countries that generate tidal power are China, Russia, South Korea, Canada, UK and France; which has the biggest tidal power plant in the world.There are currently no countries in Africa that use tidal power but in the future, if it becomes more widespread, that will change. Tidal power is not very widespread because only certain areas can fit the requirements for a successful power plant, especially the heights of the tides.
How Efficient Is It?
Tidal power is actually incredibly efficient (about 80% efficiency). But on the other hand, approximately 4 to 5 meter range of tides are required to produce a significant amount of electricity. Tidal power is also one of the most expensive electricity sources, it costs on average $2.4 million per megawatt or $15 billion to construct a single power plant.
Benefits and Drawbacks
What are the benefits of Tidal power?
It is predictable and reliable.
This source is good for us humans because it prevents foods.
It produces more electricity in Winter, when also, more electricity is demanded.
It doesn’t use carbon dioxide and it is a renewable source.
What are the drawbacks of Tidal power?
Harmful to marine ecosystems
Very expensive to construct
Takes on average 10 years to build a single power plant
It only works 10 hours a day when the tides flow
Role In the Future:
We do not believe that tidal power will play a big role in the future, but the very distant future. One reason is that tidal power is initially very expensive although it is later free. Also the fact that the tides only generated electricity for 10 hours a day could be a limiting factor to tidal power's future. On the bright side, there are no emissions or pollution involved with tidal energy, but scientists are still trying to figure out whether it has a negative effect on marine ecosystems. Additionally, one cannot built a tidal power dam in any location, there have to be specific requirements such as the height of the tides for a successful tidal power plant. Even though it is more efficient than other electricity sources, such as coal, it does not produce nearly enough electricity to meet all of our energy demands. To conclude, we think that tidal power may be a safer and cleaner alternative to most other energy sources but it still has a long way to go and many improvements to be done.
Teresa & Aanchal
Tidal power is the power harnessed from the rise and fall of the sea level. It is one of the few renewable resources we have on Earth. However, this source is special because it is very predictable. Although it is not very widespread, it is still very efficient.
How Does it Work?
Tidal power is very efficient and it is easy to generate electricity. A barrage, which is much like a dam, is built across an estuary. Turbines are installed in the wall of the barrage. When the tides flow in or out, and fill the tidal basin to the appropriate level , the water is emptied through the turbine and electricity is produced. The electricity that is produced by the turbine is then stored in a generator and eventually sent out for public use.
How Wide Spread is It?
The countries that generate tidal power are China, Russia, South Korea, Canada, UK and France; which has the biggest tidal power plant in the world.There are currently no countries in Africa that use tidal power but in the future, if it becomes more widespread, that will change. Tidal power is not very widespread because only certain areas can fit the requirements for a successful power plant, especially the heights of the tides.How Efficient Is It?
Tidal power is actually incredibly efficient (about 80% efficiency). But on the other hand, approximately 4 to 5 meter range of tides are required to produce a significant amount of electricity. Tidal power is also one of the most expensive electricity sources, it costs on average $2.4 million per megawatt or $15 billion to construct a single power plant.Benefits and Drawbacks
What are the benefits of Tidal power?- It is predictable and reliable.
- This source is good for us humans because it prevents foods.
- It produces more electricity in Winter, when also, more electricity is demanded.
- It doesn’t use carbon dioxide and it is a renewable source.
What are the drawbacks of Tidal power?Role In the Future:
We do not believe that tidal power will play a big role in the future, but the very distant future. One reason is that tidal power is initially very expensive although it is later free. Also the fact that the tides only generated electricity for 10 hours a day could be a limiting factor to tidal power's future. On the bright side, there are no emissions or pollution involved with tidal energy, but scientists are still trying to figure out whether it has a negative effect on marine ecosystems. Additionally, one cannot built a tidal power dam in any location, there have to be specific requirements such as the height of the tides for a successful tidal power plant. Even though it is more efficient than other electricity sources, such as coal, it does not produce nearly enough electricity to meet all of our energy demands. To conclude, we think that tidal power may be a safer and cleaner alternative to most other energy sources but it still has a long way to go and many improvements to be done.Bibliography
Information CitedTIDAL ENERGY POTENTIALhttp://worldenergydiscussion.blogspot.com/2007/07/tidal-energy-potential.htmlENERGY RESOURCES: TIDAL POWERhttp://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/tidal.htmSWAN TURBINEShttp://www.swanturbines.co.uk/ENERGY SEARCH ENGINEhttp://www.aeoogle.com/search.php?cx=013421381762636291086%3Aum248r6quei&cof=FORID%3A10&q=Tidal+power&sa=AEoogle%21UNDERWATER TURBINE ELECTRICITY PRODUCTIONhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/moon-generate-electricity1.htmGREEN GLOSSARY: TIDAL BARRAGEhttp:tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/green-glossary-tidal-barrage.htmANSWERShttp:wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_tidal_power_stations_affect_the_environmentWAVE AND TIDAL ENERGYhttp://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/wave_tidal/wave_tidal.aspxHOW TIDAL ENERGY WORKShttp://www.environment911.org/114.How_Tidal_Energy_WorksHOW DOES TIDAL ENERGY WORK?http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4574050_tidal-energy-work.htmlOCEAN ENERGY COUNCILhttp://www.oceanenergycouncil.com/index.php/Tidal-Energy/Tidal-Energy.htmlPictures Cited
TIDAL BARRAGE
http://www.ei.lehigh.edu/learners/energy/tidal/barrageDiagram.gifTIDAL POWER WORLD MAP
http://www.opportunityenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Tidal-energy-map.jpg
TIDAL TURBINE
http://www.marinet.org.uk/refts/tidalpowernov06.jpg
TIDES
http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/saltire1.jpg